One of the first things that I said when I started this blog is that I wanted to “bridge the divide between Peoria and Tazewell counties. Why do people from both sides of the river seem to think the other side is some foreign country?” Heck, that applies to the whole heart of Illinois area for that matter. People in big cities think nothing of having to drive 30-45 minutes to get somewhere across town. Pekin is 10-15 minutes away from downtown Peoria … that’s hardly an impenetrable transportation barrier! It wouldn’t hurt to get out and see what was happening on the other side of the river sometimes.
I guess taking to heart my theory about “bridging the divide” is why I got so steamed about this. Probably excessively steamed – it’s just a dumb joke. However, I think it’s pretty typical of the attitudes people in Peoria have for people from Pekin, Creve Coeur, Marquette Heights, East Peoria … or anywhere on the East side of the Illinois River other than Morton or Germantown Hills. I know, because I grew up in Peoria. I heard the jokes about P-E-K-K-K-I-N. I came over here for a couple “away” games during high school, but that’s about it.
Then I moved to Pekin … and guess what? The people here are really very similar to the people I grew up around in Peoria. Indistinguishable, in fact. In general, the people of Pekin are hard working, law-abiding, civic-minded and tolerant people. It’s a great town, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Are there problems over here? Of course! Is racism a problem over here? Well, there was the ugly incident where a bunch of employees at a Pekin gas station threatened to walk off of their jobs over a rumor that the new owner was an Arab (I think they turned out to be Chicagoans of Persian or Indian decent – I can’t find the article). I’d say yeah … there are still problems with racism.
But there are encouraging signs as well. All three of my kids that are in school or preschool have minorities in their classes. The only other active Pekin blogger is not of caucasian decent, and he’s married to the daughter of Pekin’s ex-mayor (and perhaps future mayor). Edgar also coaches the Pekin High girls soccer team, and last I heard there haven’t been any open revolts about entrusting a minority male with the daughters of Pekin. I have yet to see any white hooded robes despite the Pekin nickname I heard in high school. There haven’t been any burning crosses out in front of the Fast Dragon Chinese restaurant.
Peoria is hardly without it’s racism and crime – hell, the Peoria blogosphere is constantly talking about the crime problem in Peoria. How many murders have there been in Peoria this year? 16? Last time I checked, there haven’t been nearly that many on this side of the river. Yeah, maybe Creve Coeur is way up there on the state DUI list. Maybe that’s because Illinois Route 29 runs right through the middle of town. Maybe Creve Coeur cops are just more diligent than Peoria cops and they catch more drunks.
Now I’m not a very religious man, but I did go to Sunday school for a while. I’m reminded of a quote regarding eyes, motes & timbers … I must admit, that’s a good one.
Come on, people. We’re all part of one Heart of Illinois community … let’s act like it. Make fun of Chicago! (Laughing)
9 responses so far ↓
1
Emtronics
// Nov 25, 2006 at 7:40 pm
Pekin doesn’t have anyway the racial makeup Peoria has. Would that be allowed in Pekin. Doubtful. Pekin HAD a history of racism and I’ll bet it still does. Approx. 2400 students at PHS and I’ll bet there isn’t 50 blacks. Maybe that is why people seem to think there are “two sides to the river”.
2
knightindragonland
// Nov 26, 2006 at 7:32 pm
Demographics don’t change overnight, but they are changing. Would blacks or other minorities be “allowed” in Pekin? Well, they are … I’ve seen minorities of all shades and ethnicities here, so obviously they don’t stop them at the Shade-Lohman & McNaughton bridges and turn them back.
Of course there’s racism in Pekin … but I seriously doubt there’s more here than in Peoria, Morton, Dunlap or anywhere else in the Tri-County area. Some of the most racist people I ever met while growing up in Peoria were from the South Side. I dated a girl from Manual in high school, and I swear some of her relatives let the “N word” fly about every other sentence. It’s a problem that we all need to address, and playing up stereotypes doesn’t help.
3
Emtronics
// Nov 28, 2006 at 1:13 am
I agree, there are racists all over and there is some in each and everyone of us but from the southend? Sure and the northend, Woodruff, and how about Richwoods? Problem is you have a problem with the southend which is kind of racist itself. I am sure Pekin doesn’t stop minorites from moving in and they don’t turn around on the bridge. My point is or was; Pekin in noway compares to Peoria on racial makeup thus the problems Peoria has as far as our gang shootings go simply doesn’t exsist in Pekin. Pekin has it’s gangs for sure and it has crime, but comparing Peoria and Pekin is apples to oranges. Pekin does have a reputation (unspoken) but times do change. Saying blacks won’t live in Pekin is like saying the most racial people in Peoria go to Manual and are from the southend. Least you forget, all of West Peoria is in Manual’s district. But, wait, you did say that. Talk about stereo typing. Oh, it’s OK to stereo type the southend. How white of you. Typical Pekin. There is more racism in Pekin and you just proved it.
4
knightindragonland
// Nov 28, 2006 at 5:47 am
So … what you’re telling me is that there isn’t ANY racism on the South Side? Every other part of this whole country has issues with racism … EXCEPT the south end of Peoria. What a load of …
Fine, Em. If you’re going to be delusional and think that your shit don’t stink but everyone else has a problem … then there’s just no point in arguing with you.
For the record, I have NOTHING against the South Side of Peoria. I have nothing against ANY part of Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, Creve Coeur, Morton, Dunlap, Metamora, Germantown Hills, Groveland, Brimfield, West Peoria, Bartonville, etc, etc, etc. I know wonderful people that live in all corners of the Tri-County area, and they all love their homes and want to see them thrive.
I think the different facets of this Central IL community that we live in should quit knocking each other down and work together on the problems that affect all of us. That’s the WHOLE POINT OF THIS POST – which you obviously missed. I’m tired of people in Dunlap, Morton & Germantown insulting & blaming Peoria (they’re all thugs!), then Peorians insult & blame them back (they’re stealing our tax money – that’s why District 150 suffers!), and then the Peorians turn around and blame & insult the people across the river (Racist hicks!)… who throw insults & blame right back (City snobs!). IT’S ALL STUPID AND POINTLESS.
My story was not a slander of the South Side. I was simply relating a personal observation of mine. I dated a girl who went to Manual in high school. Her family lived on the South Side – her mom & stepdad, her grandparents and her uncle all lived in three houses on the same block. They had all lived on that block forever. When they got together, the “N word” would fly like crazy. They blamed every problem in America on black people. They were the most rabid racists I have ever encountered in my entire life.
That’s a factual account of my experience. If you want to deny it to keep up your little illusion – feel free. I’m not saying that what I experienced was typical of people living on the south end. I’m just saying that it exists. Keep denying it if you want. Sticking your head in the sand is always a great way to solve problems.
5
Emtronics
// Nov 28, 2006 at 11:26 am
Christ. Do you even read what I posted. Of course there is racism on the southend and everywhere else in Peoria. I also NEVER said my shit doesn’t stink. You did. For the record you do have a problem with the southend as I have read your posts on other blogs that clearly states you do. And, like I posted, I AGREE basically with everything you have posted except that you always take a swipe at the southend. i.e. Manual for one. But since that is your personnal account, I can deal with it. I have no illusions about where I live and the problems I and my neighbors have to deal with but I want to make sure someone on the other side of the river dosen’t either. It seems that people who live outside of Peoria can point their finger at all the problems we have here. It’s the people that live here that need to stand up and start solving some of the problems we have as this will benefit the entire area, Pekin included. How Peoria goes will effect Morton, Bellvue, Washington, Pekin, etc etc etc.
BTW, you probably noticed I am touchy in regards to the stereo typing of the southend and Manual High School. I guess I am as touchy as you are about Pekin and maybe Richwoods??
6
knightindragonland
// Nov 28, 2006 at 3:11 pm
Do I read what you post? Yes …
“I agree, there are racists all over and there is some in each and everyone of us but from the southend?” Excuse me for reading “but from the southend?” as excluding the southend … because in English, that’s what the word “but” indicates. Jeesh, Em. If that’s not what you meant to say, then sorry – but I can’t read your mind.
So I always take a swipe at the southend? OK, Em … you need to show me the links. I don’t recall EVER taking a swipe at the South Side. Maybe the worst thing I ever said about Manual is that their football team isn’t very good. My example of racism on the south end was simply to illustrate that racism exists even there. I in no way implied that it was typical – just like I don’t think it’s typical over in Pekin anymore.
“It seems that people who live outside of Peoria can point their finger at all the problems we have here. It’s the people that live here that need to stand up and start solving some of the problems we have as this will benefit the entire area, Pekin included. How Peoria goes will effect Morton, Bellevue, Washington, Pekin, etc etc etc.”
OK, so you do get the point of my post. I agree fully. I want Peoria to succeed for two reasons. One, it’s my home town and my parents still live there. Two, what’s good for Peoria is good for the surrounding communities.
One thing, though. If your response to stereotyped criticism of Peoria, the South Side and Manual is stereotyped criticism of the east side communities, then you don’t do anything to help your cause.
You want the South Side and Manual to succeed, and I want Pekin and the Pekin school system to succeed. Those are both great goals, I think. We probably should be supporting each other instead of arguing, don’t ya think?
7
Raoul Duke
// Nov 28, 2006 at 9:50 pm
Persians?? Are they cats or Iranians?
8
knightindragonland
// Nov 28, 2006 at 10:54 pm
Cats, actually. The employees were all dog people, so they were not happy.
Persian is a proper term for an Iranian. I went to med school with a Jewish Iranian, and he called himself Persian. Maybe it’s antiquated, but I think it indicates the ethnicity better than “Iranian.” There are people of Persian ethnicity in many other countries besides Iran.
9
TM
// Feb 17, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Ok…I am from what everyone calls “THE TUCK” or “Creve-Tucky”….WHAT EVERY YOU WANT TO CALL THIS…and i know all these blogs got posted about 1 1/2 ago…but i like to state my opinion…And since i just found this….I think Racism is a VERY contriversial subject….There is no BLACK and WHITE in this situation….its all GRAY!!! Everyone says something else has to do with their problem……so DEAL
And Creve Coeur, the reason that Creve Coeur’s DUI’s are up and probley the HIGHEST in central Illinois, is cause the cops have nothing better to do than to sit by a bar and pull over someone….concidering we have like 7 or 8 bars in Creve Coeur….Which YES this is good to keep drunk drivers off the road….but they do need to lay off if you dont stop for a COMPLETE 3 seconds at a stop sign. Far as i new you just had to come to a complete stop.
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